Calculate the sales tax and total price for a purchase based on the item price and tax rate.
A sales tax calculator figures out how much sales tax applies to a purchase and what the total price will be after tax is added. Since sales tax rates in the US vary by state, county, and city — and some areas have no sales tax at all — this calculator lets you enter your specific combined rate to quickly see the tax amount and final price for any item.
Sales tax is a simple percentage applied to the pre-tax price of an item or service.
Formula: Sales Tax Amount = Item Price × (Tax Rate ÷ 100). Total Price = Item Price + Sales Tax Amount.
Example: For a $100 item with a 7% sales tax rate (example rate — enter your local combined rate), the sales tax amount would be $7.00, for a total price of $107.00. (Note: all figures in this example are for illustration purposes only and do not represent your local tax rate.)
Unlike many countries with a single national consumption tax (like VAT or GST), the US has no federal sales tax — sales tax is set at the state level, and many states also allow counties and cities to add their own local sales taxes on top, resulting in a wide range of combined rates across the country (often roughly 0% to 10%, example range — check your specific location). A handful of states — including Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, and Delaware — have no state sales tax at all, while Alaska has no state sales tax but allows local sales taxes in some areas. Because rates vary so much by location and even by item category (groceries, clothing, and prescription drugs are often taxed differently or exempted), it's important to use the rate that actually applies to your specific purchase and location (example rate used in this calculator — verify your local combined rate).
No. The US has no federal sales tax. Sales tax is set at the state level, and many states allow counties and cities to add their own local sales taxes on top, resulting in combined rates that vary significantly by location.
Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, and Delaware have no state sales tax. Alaska has no state sales tax but allows some local jurisdictions to charge their own sales taxes (example list — verify current rules, as tax laws can change).
No — the default is an example only. Combined state, county, and city sales tax rates vary widely across the US. Look up the specific combined rate for your location using your state revenue department's rate lookup tool.
Not necessarily. Many states tax certain categories — like groceries, clothing, or prescription medications — at a reduced rate or exempt them entirely from sales tax. Check your state's specific rules for the item you're purchasing.
For online purchases, sales tax is generally based on the shipping destination (where the item is delivered) rather than where the seller is located, following rules established after a 2018 Supreme Court ruling on online sales tax collection.
Use tax is a complementary tax some states impose on purchases made out-of-state (where no sales tax was collected) for use within the state — effectively closing the gap so residents can't avoid tax by purchasing from out-of-state sellers. Rules vary by state.
Disclaimer: The information, rates, and figures provided on this page are for educational and illustrative purposes only. The default tax rate is a sample value and does not reflect your actual state, county, or city sales tax rate. Sales tax rules and rates change frequently and vary by location and item category. Always verify the current rate for your specific location and consult a qualified tax professional for guidance.